“One valuable set of teachings from the Platonic tradition concerns what scholars often call the “ladder of virtues.” Briefly, the notion is that all of the core human virtues, or excellences, appear at seven different levels as we progress through our philosophic and spiritual journey. Most discussions of this ladder, quite appropriately, emphasize the four “cardinal” virtues of wisdom, justice, fortitude, and temperance as they manifest at each successive level. The foundations of this doctrine appear scattered throughout the dialogues of Plato, and are presented in their most systematic form by some of the final Platonic teachers of antiquity, Damascius and Olympiodorus. In tonight’s session, we’ll look at two other important aspects of the Platonic spiritual journey, as they relate to our progress in virtue: namely, the practice of prayer, and the cultivation of self-knowledge.”
These open sessions usually run twice on the same day to accommodate different time zones (see below for details about how to register). They take particular topics or passages from Plato and other writers in the tradition – these are open to anyone interested, and they attract a wide range of participants. We usually begin with a short 5 or 10 minute introduction to the subject in hand and (when appropriate) a reading of a short text: this leaves a good hour or so to discuss the ideas which arise.
There are no fees payable. The Trust sees the Platonic tradition as a spiritual one: not only a guide for the outer life, but especially to be treasured for its assistance in the cultivation of the inner self – the soul – for, says Plato in the Timeaus, “we are not terrestrial plants, but blossoms of heaven.” We understand the tradition to be profound and cohesive, and one that repays the long-term effort required to truly embed oneself in it. Our approach is not exclusive – we value other traditions for their insights – nor is it dogmatic or an attempt to proselytise: however we are serious in our attempts to fathom the depths of the tradition, to identify its foundations, and where its teachings seem to run counter to accepted thinking to investigate them thoroughly rather than rejecting them prematurely. Thus our point of focus is on the teachings of the tradition and most especially our own inner response to them.
By joining our studies you are making no commitment beyond that of co-operating with us in our exploration of those truths which have inspired a company of men and women most luminous in their understanding, and unsparingly generous in their teaching.
You must register separately for the two sessions- links below:
Download the discussion paper: virtue prayer self-knowledge – PT Jan 2025(1)
UK time zone session: click here for the link
US time zones session: (7:30pm EDT/4:30pm PDT): click here for the link